VISITOR INFORMATION

Visiting

Tours of the Synagogue

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12 noon (except on Public holidays and Jewish festivals)
Enter from Elizabeth Street. Cost: $5.00 for adults; $3.00 for Senior Citizens and children.

Schools and interest groups (over 20 people) are welcome to book tours at 10am or 2pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; phone 9267 2477

Library

The Rabbi L. A. Falk Memorial Library, opened in 1957, holds more than 6,500 books based on a collection amassed by Rabbi LA Falk who served the congregation of The Great Synagogue from 1923-1956. The books, in Hebrew, English and a variety of European languages, are principally of antiquarian interest although there has been a move recently to build up the Judaica section in English with the regular purchase of new books and publications. Recently the library has also acquired some CD-Rom research tools. A liturgical music section is in the process of development. Within the collection is a group of around 200 old and rare books, both leather and vellum bound, some dating from the early 16th century. They include some notable early printed Bibles, 1667 editions of works by John Calvin, a very rare treatise on the Kabbalah from 1517 and Renaissance-era editions of Josephus in various European languages. The Rabbi LA Falk Memorial Library is a reference library and books cannot be borrowed. However, the office staff of the Great Synagogue is happy to assist with photocopying for which a small fee is charged. The volunteer librarian is Caroline Brem, and she and her volunteer helpers are happy to assist with telephone and written queries and email inquiries. The email address is library@greatsynagogue.org.au

Museum

Founded in the 1980s, the AM Rosenblum Jewish Museum showcases the Great Synagogue's outstanding collection of Jewish artefacts including textiles, ritual silver and paintings. Exhibitions change periodically.

The museum is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays as part of the synagogue tour at 12 noon.

Records

The Great Synagogue holds copies of records of births, deaths and marriages from the early days of the Colony of NSW. In many cases the originals are held by the Mitchell Library in the State Library of NSW and permission must be sought from the Great Synagogue in order to consult these records. Many of the records, both older and more recent, have been microfilmed and copies are held both at the Synagogue and at the Australian Jewish Historical Society. The Society has a microfilm printer which makes consulting the records much easier. The AJHS can be consulted at ajhsinc@bigpond.net.au 9518 7596

Shop

Looking for a gift or a card for that special event? Try The Great Synagogue shop. We have copies of our fabulous new history of The Great, kippot made from charming fabrics with Aboriginal motifs, Kosher Koalas and cards from Print 35 for all occasions.